Show me tell me questions

Show Me, Tell Me

In the practical test, you will be asked two 'show and tell' questions about safety and maintenance checks on your car. Getting one or both of them wrong will count as a driving fault in your test.

'Tell me' questions

Q1: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify yellow dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Q2: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

A: Identify high/low level markings on yellow header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Q3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

A: Identify yellow reservoir cap and explain how to fill.

Q4: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is, and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A: Identify Yellow reservoir cap, check level against high/low markings.

Q5: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

A: Turn ignition NOT ENGINE on. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

Q6: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested before you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q7: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A: Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q8: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q9:Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eyes or the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as possible. NB some restraints are not adjustable.

Q10: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

'Show me' questions

Q11: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q12: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A: Operate switch (turn on ignition ), walk round vehicle.

Q13: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

A: Applying the hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

Q14: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off-road only).

A: Check is carried out by pressing the lower centre of the steering wheel

Q15: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

A: Secure car with foot brake then demonstrate by applying parking brake and that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q16:Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all of the windows effectively, this should include both front and back windows

A: In the Corsa:-Turn temperature, strength and location dials fully clockwise and press the heated rear windscreen button.

Q17: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.

A: In the Corsa:-Turn ignition NOT ENGNE on. Right hand stalk, pull fully back towards the steering wheel for 2 seconds to drench the wind screen. After the automatic 5 wipes, press stalk down one press at a time to clear any remaining liquid.

Q18: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.

A: In the Corsa:-Turn ignition NOT ENGINE on. Turn light switch the 2 clicks clockwise for dipped lights, then press centre of switch and indicate the icon on your dashboard. Use when visibility falls short of 100m.

Q19: Show me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explai how you would know the main beam is on.

A; In the Corsa:-Switch lights on as per Q18 then push left stalk (indicators) forward to click on the main beam. Indicate icon on dash board and you would extinguish main beam before you met on coming traffic.